Betfair Official Blog

Timeform Daily: March 26th 2008, The hambletonracing.co.uk Handicap (Class 4)

Click here to view market

Six go to post in a competitive-looking handicap at 3.25 at Southwell. Only 5 lb separates the runners on Timeform ratings.

The thriving Came Back is seeking a four-timer and couldn't be in better hands as he looks to defy a career-high mark. He shaped better than ever when winning a competitive handicap at Lingfield earlier this month, showing a good turn of foot to go clear inside the final furlong, instantly recouping some of the £11,000 his new connections had paid for him after he'd won a second claimer in the space of ten days over course and distance in February. He looks sure to go well here.

Another previous course-and-distance winner is Dickie Le Davoir, who has been performing consistently well in claimers and handicaps this year. He got all going all too late on his first start for John Harris when beaten a head by Methaaly in a handicap at Wolverhampton three weeks ago (the temperamental Chjimes well held). He lines up here off a potentially lenient handicap mark with that in mind although there is a suspicion he may be seen to better effect over further.

One who has been kept on the go throughout the winter is Memphis Man, who hasn't been at his best of late, and is another whose temperamental side means he cannot be backed with any great confidence.

Mandarin Spirit hasn't won since winning a handicap here over seven furlongs last winter. He's certainly not without a chance on the pick of his all-weather form since then but having not run since November he's likely to need the run. Whilst the same can also be said for Total Impact, although it's worth bearing in mind that Richard Fahey has already had a winner this week with a runner making their first start for the yard. He's worth a check in the market.